Media Relations Manager 3

This position is flexible as long as it’s located near a major Northrop Grumman Space Systems office (DC Metro area, including Baltimore, MD and Falls Church/Dulles/McLean, VA; Promontory, UT, Colorado Springs, CO, and Huntsville, AL). Travel is required 25% of the time to various Space Sector sites and other locations.

About the Role

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage, and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

The Media Relations Manager serves as a leader on the company’s Media Strategy & Engagement team, responsible for strategizing, planning, executing, and measuring earned media strategies in partnership with Space Systems and enterprise communicators, aligning with the company’s business priorities and thought leadership objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead an earned media portfolio designed to elevate company thought leadership on priority technology focus areas that support an enterprise narrative focused on innovation.
• Partner with communications colleagues across the enterprise to develop a strategic approach to media relations, including proactive and reactive media interviews, pitches, events, news products, digital presence, and more.
• Build awareness of earned media strategies, gaining buy-in and feedback to refine the approach to media storytelling and promote the Space Systems business portfolio.
• Prepare and position Space Systems subject matter experts for earned media opportunities, maintaining coordination with the Sector Communications Strategy team on a steady media presence/narrative.
• Prepare and share regular results, media trends, and metrics on media relations efforts at various levels within the company, leveraging those results to evolve strategies and achieve intended communications and business goals.
• Stay informed on industry news and flag issues and trends for appropriate internal stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor, and develop media and public relations professionals across the company.
• Ensure all Space Systems media engagements align with the company’s overall media strategy, reflecting priorities at both the business and enterprise level.
• Support business communicators to identify and implement media strategies that influence stakeholder decision-making in favor of Northrop Grumman, including promoting milestones and enhancing customer engagement events.
• Ensure company spokespeople are prepared for media engagements, securing all logistics, and engaging with reporters and public affairs officers as necessary.
• Lead media monitoring, metrics, and reporting requirements associated with business and enterprise priorities for the Space Systems sector.
• Write and edit news content, media prep materials, and other required content, correcting inaccuracies and acting as a company spokesperson.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key reporters to help shape and manage coverage for Space Systems priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 10 years of experience; or master’s degree and minimum of 8 years of experience in media relations, communications, public relations, or public affairs for a medium-to-large-sized organization.
• Proven success in leading people as direct reports and when matrixed for projects.
• Experience demonstrating strategic thinking, planning, and decision-making.
• Experience developing and executing strategic media relations communications plans to achieve business objectives and advance thought leadership.
• Ability to interact with executive leadership confidently and independently.
• Ability to identify and leverage news cycles to advance company thought leadership in priority focus areas.
• Experience executing press events, including conference calls, media interviews, site visits, and supporting internal media training, messaging sessions, and external media engagements.
• Effective AP writing and editing skills, with the ability to draft all types of news content, from news releases and features to long-form op-eds for placement in target publications.
• Comfort with change in a fast-paced, empowered work environment with strong collaboration and alignment to company priorities.
• High level of attention to detail and a risk-conscious mindset.
• Commitment to quality work and accountability for results.
• Demonstrated knowledge in developing, deploying, and activating strategic media and communication campaigns with measurable business impact.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time; travel may include intra-office within the DC metro area, as well as other sites and locations, in support of the business, as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a large, matrixed, and/or geographically dispersed organization.
• Experience developing productive relationships with colleagues, executives, and reporters.
• Experience in technology, aerospace, defense, or other science-related business or government field.
• Sound judgment in decision-making and leadership actions with capabilities to drive storytelling through creative and/or disruptive methods, ideas, and approaches.
• Experience with Zignal and MuckRack reporter database tools.
• Familiarity with defense, space, and aerospace industry reporters.

Pay

Primary level salary range: $159,500.00 - $239,300.00. The above salary range represents a general guideline; Northrop Grumman considers factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's experience, education, skills, and current market conditions when determining base salary offers. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company-paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
• Annual bonuses designed to reward individual contributions and allow employees to share in company results
• Long-term incentives for eligible employees in Vice President or Director positions